dtfrank

I am currently 52, and first starting taking martial arts out of high school because a friend of mine was teaching. I stayed in for about 12 years and then because of work and family I just fell away from it. However, when I moved to where I live now I saw that a new dojo was opening up and was associated with the martial artist that you liked so much in the Octagon. His name Tadashi Yamashita sensei is pretty incredible and still gives out the black belts in our dojo and does seminars twice a year. Just being associated with this man and still learning from this tradtional martial art has kept me enthused where I have been back in the martial arts for about 7 years and will be going for my nidan in June. David Frank

Not quite sure what your problem is, but let me walk you through as I do the kick. Sorry if I am too elementary. (Not sure what your level is) If I am kicking with my right heel, I would cross step behind the right foot making sure that the toes of my left foot are pointed directly behind me. Hard to have any balance if those toes aren't pointed in the correct direction. As I cross stepped, you'll notice that you have built up some "torque" in your body. Allow your elbow to help drive the upper body through the kick, which will drive the heel towards your target with power. I hope I was clear and I hope this helped. dtfrank Temecula, CA